Bayern agree fee for Alonso

Bayern Munich are close to signing Xabi Alonso from Real Madrid after the two clubs agreed a fee for the Spanish midfielder.

The 32-year-old is due to address the Spanish media on Friday morning at the Santiago Bernabeu before jetting to Munich to complete his move.

The Bavarian giants have been forced into the transfer market following injuries to Thiago Alcantara, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Javi Martinez, who ruptured his cruciate knee ligament in the Super Cup defeat against Borussia Dortmund.

Alonso will join Moroccan defender Mehdi Benatia who arrived at Bayern earlier this week from Roma for a reported &#8364;30m fee.

The midfielder was deemed surplus to requirements in the Spanish capital following the arrival of German international Toni Kroos from Bayern.

Alonso announced his retirement from international soccer earlier this week after winning one World Cup and two European championships with Spain.